Lions stay unbeaten in Australia but scratch XV push them hard

THE British and Irish Lions emerged from the toughest test of their Australia tour with an edgy 24-19 victory over First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne.

- DUNCAN BECH

For the first time in seven matches Down Under there was a sense of jeopardy as scratch opponents comprising players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage threatened to cause an upset at Marvel Stadium.

A 64th minute try by Duhan van der Merwe propelled the Lions 10 points clear in what appeared to be the decisive moment, but big-hitting FNP refused to concede and struck again through Rob Leota to set up a tense finish.

The closing exchanges belonged to FNP, who replaced Melbourne Rebels after the Super Rugby franchise went into administration, and when they pinched a late line-out the Lions had to weather one last storm.

Owen Farrell was captain for the first time in his four Lions tours and while he was solid enough, few players put their hands up for selection for Saturday’s second Test against the Wallabies.